Sting is steering his North East-inspired new musical into smoother waters since taking over the lead role during its New York run.

His first Broadway venture The Last Ship has seen ticket sales rocket since the Wallsend-born singer-songwriter took up the helm, with critics praising his charisma and integrity of his performance.

Previously fellow Geordie Jimmy Nail played the central role in his North East-inspired musical but, since its October opening, the musical has struggled at the box office and had mixed reviews, with critics liking Sting’s evocative score but not so much its tangled story.

Recalling the time of his childhood, when Sting watched ships being built at the end of his street, it tells of the closure of a shipyard and impact on the local community.

But, despite praise for Nail’s fiery performance as shipyard foreman Jackie White, some critics found the story muddled, even - a sin in the heart of theatre-land - a tad dull.

It reportedly lost $75,000 a week after opening until its creator stepped in to save the day.

People will always pay to see a star and when Sting decided to temporarily take over the role of Jackie, it brought about the huge boost to ticket sales they were looking for.

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On his opening night on Broadway, Sting won a standing ovation, swiftly followed by the show’s second wave of reviews.

Under the headline Steering Without Seizing Glory, the New York Post called Sting’s acting “capable and efficient” and noted he handled the show’s wry humour with a light touch. It added: “Jackie seems a less pivotal figure in the musical than he did when Mr Nail played the role. As a firebrand stoking discontent, Sting’s Jackie is distinctly cooler to the touch.”

USA Today said: “Sting approaches Jackie with the same graciousness and serious-mindedness he brought to the music and lyrics,” while trade magazine Variety gushed: “In his bigger-than-life persona, Sting embodies an otherworldly quality that allows this ship to sail beyond all human limits.”

The veteran star, who has decided to extend his role in The Last Ship until January 24, will be back on home turf from April 24-25 to perform songs from the show, including those that never made the final cut, as part of Sage Gateshead’s 10th Birthday Appeal.